KGC Admin

Kalamazoo Garden Council, Inc., is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization comprised of 10 area garden clubs including 200+ local gardeners. On November 29—December 1, 2018, the annual Holiday Greens Sale will be held by these clubs at the Kalamazoo County Expo Center on Lake Street in Kalamazoo. The mission of Kalamazoo Garden Council is to provide …

For years I have had a huge problem with deer in my yard. As you are aware, they eat whatever they darn please. Two years ago at Wedel’s Spring Expo there was a booth with two guys from Messina Wildlife Management. I spent quite a bit of time talking with them before I bought their …

Japanese Knotweed Fallopia japonica, an invasive species is prevalent in Kalamazoo County. It spreads easily and seems to be incredibly indestructable. The City of Kalamazoo hired Hannah Hudson last summer as the tall grass and weeds inspector. She has a background in natural resources, but had never heard of Japanese knotweed. She quickly learned its …

Milkweed The Asclepias syriaca (common milkweed) one variety of milkweed common to Michigan. Common milkweed For more information on this and other Milkweed plants, please go to Milk Weed Sources in Michigan as compiled by Murray Cooper, KGC Horticulture Chair.

Black and Pale Swallow-worts Cynanchum louiseae ( Vincetoxicum nigrum) and Cynanchum rossicum ( Vincetoxicum rossicum) Plant Threatens Michigan Monarchs Swallow-wort can be confused with Milkweed by Monarch butterflies because their seed pods are similar. This Michigan decorative garden plant, brought to the United States during the 19th century, has affected how Monarchs develop. For more …

Mason Bee The tiny mason bee is environmentally healthy, simple and fun. Mason bees are extraordinary pollinators. These bees are very efficient, 200-300 females can pollinate an entire acre. They are native to most of North America. There are approximately 150 types of mason bees. According to Judy Beaudette writing on the website, ecolandscaping.org, “They are tunnel-nesting, …

Braconid Wasp Tomato hornworm covered with white cocoons of Braconid Wasp Photo Taken by Amy Nelson at Crispe House, Plainwell, MI. While gardening at Crispe House this week we came across a Tomato Hornworm in the vegetable garden near the back of the house next to the drive way. I found the Tomato Hornworm pictured to …